The two Ministers praised the achievements of both countries and ministries since the fifth meetting in Vientiane in June 2008, which contributed to strengthening the solidarity and special friendship between the two nations.

The two sides also saw effective co-operation in national defence, security, education, health, tourism, and culture.

They reached a consensus on co-operative programmes in the future, including exchanging delegations, promoting co-operation in all fields and sharing information on issues of mutual concern.

Both sides also agreed to hold activities to mark Vietnam - Laos Friendship Solidarity Year 2012, as well as the 50th anniversary of establishing diplomatic ties (1962-2012) and the 35th anniversary of signing the Friendship and Co-operation Treaty (1977-2012).

During the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith and Minister Pham Binh Minh inked a co-operation agreement between the two Foreign Ministries for the 2012-2017 period and witnessed the signing of another agreement between their national Diplomatic Academies.

Delegations from the two Foreign Ministries will also participate in cultural and sports activities within the framework of the exchange, which is scheduled to last from March 17 to 20.